Bread study outcome: CSE welcomes FSSAI's ban on potassium bromate

June 21, 2016

CSE says the move will significantly reduce risk and safeguard public health

Highlights that potassium bromate is a possible human carcinogen used in bread-making in India, but banned in most parts of the world

Urges that FSSAI also bans use of potassium iodate in bread-making at the earliest

June 21, 2016, New Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has welcomed the removal of potassium bromate from the list of approved additives by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI banned the use of potassium bromate across the country, in its latest notice issued on June 20, 2016, for operationalisation of standards for food additives.

“We are happy to know that the FSSAI has banned the use of potassium bromate. Our study on bread last month raised this issue and FSSAI had announced to ban it soon. We welcome the prompt action. The chemical was banned in most parts of the world but allowed in India until now. The new law will reduce public health risk from a possible cancer-causing chemical,” said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general, CSE.

“We had also recommended a ban on the use of potassium iodate as a flour treatment agent in bread-making. The industry has already declared not to use both these chemicals in public interest. We hope that the FSSAI soon prohibits use of potassium iodate as well,” adds Bhushan.

A CSE study in May 2016 had highlighted the use and presence of residues of potassium bromate and/or potassium iodate in bread-making in India. These chemicals have been banned in several countries worldwide due to their possible adverse health effects. Potassium bromate is a known possible cancer-causing chemical. Use of Potassium iodate in bread can lead to excess iodine intake which could be linked to certain thyroid-related diseases.

Subsequently, the All India Bread Manufacturer’s Association representing the organised industry had declared its intention to withdraw the use of potassium bromate and potassium iodate in bread-making.